Left-arm spinner Ojha had Simon Katich caught behind after the opener had batted patiently for his 37 runs. Both Katich and Hussey completed 4,000 Test runs during their knocks.

Australia's batting problems began when Watson dragged a Sharma delivery on to his stumps after hitting one six and seven fours in his 59-ball knock. Three balls later, Sharma removed Ponting who pulled straight to Raina at backward square-leg.

The Indian paceman nearly got a third wicket in his opening over of the second spell when he had Clarke caught by Sehwag at short mid-wicket. But it was declared a no-ball after on-field umpire Billy Bowden of New Zealand consulted TV umpire Sanjay Hazare.

Sharma did not have to wait long for his next success as he had Clarke caught behind for four runs in his next over.

Watson batted aggressively in the morning, punishing both seamers and spinners. With Sharma looking unimpressive in his opening two-over spell, India introduced spin after five overs but failed to put pressure on the Australian openers.

Watson greeted Ojha with a four and then a six over long-on in the same over. He completed his 10th Test half-century off just 51 balls, flicking Harbhajan for two runs.

India were bowled out for 405 in their first innings on Sunday in reply to Australia's 428.